The agreement, which has to be ratified by the Bosnian parliament, envisages the inviolability of places of worship, the autonomy of the Church in the regulation of its structure, the restitution of nationalised real estate or the payment of just compensation to the Church within 10 years, the right of the Church to set up educational institutions, the right to the spiritual counseling of Catholics in the military and the police, and the right to the religious education of children.
The agreement was signed in the presence of all Bosnian bishops and Franciscan provincials, senior Bosnian state officials, and representatives of religious communities active in the country.
D'Errico recalled that negotiations on the agreement began in 2002 and said the Vatican expected a swift ratification in the Bosnian parliament.
He voiced confidence that the signing of the agreement would contribute to Bosnia's general reputation in the international community.
Jovic said that by signing the agreement Bosnia was confirming its readiness to respect religious rights and freedoms. He announced that relations with other religious communities would be regulated in a similar fashion soon.
The 19-clause agreement confirms that the state and the Church are independent and autonomous, and that they commit to full respect of said principles as well as to cooperation in caring for the spiritual and material development of man and in the promotion of the common good.